Theodore m



(N0 Model.)

T. vM. HASS.

ALBUM CLASP.

No. 277,722. Patented Maylfi. 1883.

ATTORNE" WITNESSES? ZJ%4%Z N. PETERS, Fhokvljlllagrnphnr. Wuhhgian. D C.

Unita ian STATES THEODORE M. HASS, QF NE\V YORK, N. Y.

ALBUM-CLASP.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 277,722, dated May 15, 1883, Application tiled March 12, 1883. (No model.)

To all whom it mag concern:

Be it known that I, THEODORE M. HASS, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Album-Clasps, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved extension album-clasp-thatis to say, an albumclasp that is adapted to be adjusted to difi'erent thicknesses of albums, so as to require only one size of clasps for different sizes of albums; and the invention consists of an album-clasp formed of a guide -casing, a U- shaped clasp or bail sliding therein,centrallypivoted dogs provided with hook-shaped extensions, and a V-shaped lever which engages said dogs, and to which an up-and-down motion is imparted by suitable means, so as to cause the biting of the dogs into the legs of the clasp or their release from the same, and thereby the adjusting of the clasp to the size of album.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents an end View of a photograplralbum with my improved clasp. Figs. 2 and 3 are front views of the clasp with the faceplate removed, showing theclasp or bail of the same in locked and unlocked positions. Fig. 4 is an inside view of the face-plate, showing the mechanism for setting the locking-dogs of the clasp, and Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse sec tion of the clas Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

A in the drawings represents the casing of an improved album-clasp, which is hinged in any suitable manner to the metal fastening piece applied to the edge of one side of the album-cover. The casing A is closed by a faceplate, A, that is riveted or otherwise fastened thereto. A U-shaped clasp or bail, B, is

guided in edge-recesses of the casing A, and its exterior connecting or bridge piece bent-at its middle part in such a manner as to engage readily a button, a, on the mounting of the other side of the album-cover. The inner ends of the legs I) b of the clasp or bail B are provided with inwardly-projecting stops 6 b, by which the detaching of the clasp B from the casing A is prevented. To a center pivot, d,

[of the casing are applied symmetrically-arranged dogs 0, that bite, by their sharp outer edges, into the legs I) b of the clasp B, said dogs being either forced outwardly by means of a V-shaped lever, 1), the ends of which engage inwardly-bent hooks e e of the dogs, or drawn inwardly and released from the legs I) 7), according as the lever D is moved in upward or downward direction by suitable means. The setting of the lever 1) so as to cause the engagement or disengagement of the dogs 0 G and legs I) b of the clasp B is accomplished by an exterior button, E, that is guided by a pin,f, in a semicircular slot, f, of the faceplate A, the shank of the button being provided with an eccentric,f that engages a circular opening of the lever D vertically in line with the center pivot, (I, of the dogs (J 0. By turning the button E around its axis in one or the opposite direction the lever D is either raised or lowered by means'of the eccentric f and thereby either the dogs ,0 0 applied to the legs of the clasp B or released therefrom? The stop-pinf and guide-slot f limit the upand-down motion of the lever D, and thereby the extent of lateral motion of the dogs 0 0. By means of the eccentricf on the shank of the button E, or equivalent means, the lever D and dogs C G are readily operated and the clasp B adjusted without the employment of springs, so as to extend more or less from the casing A- When the dogs are thrown in position to bite the legs of the clasp B they retain the same rigidlyin position,whatever the strain exerted thereon by the album.

The clasp can be readily used for any size of album, and may also be adjusted to provide for the increasing thickness of the album'when a number of pictures have been inserted.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure byLetters Patent- 1. An album-clasp composed of a guidecasing, A, U-shaped clasp or bail B, centrallypivoted dogs CG, V-shapedlever D, engaging the dogs, and means whereby the lever is moved vertically up and down so as to cause the dogs to bite or release the clasp, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination of a guide-casing, A, a

U-shaped clasp 3 centrally-pivoted dogs 0 0, having inwardly-bent hooks e e,a V-shaped tral opening of the lever D, an(l a stop-pin,f,

lever, D, engaging the hooks e e, an axiallyengaging a semicircular slot,. f', of the faceturning button, E, having an eccentric, f on plate A, substantially as set forth.

its shank, whiehengages a central opening of In testimony thatI claim the foregoing as my 5 the lever D, substantially as described. invention I have signed my name in presence 15 3. The combination of guide-easing A A, of two subscribing witnesses.

U-shaped clasp B, centrally-pivoted dogs 0 I THEODORE M. HASS.

0, having hooks c e, V-shaped lever D, engag- Witnesses:

ing the hooks of the dogs, axially-turning but- PAUL GOEPEL, 10 ton E, having an eccentric, f engaging a oen- SIDNEY MANN. 

